Description
This Taco Pasta Salad is a bold fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and classic pasta salad, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners. Made with seasoned beef, crunchy veggies, pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s easy to customize and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Make the Dressing – In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine pasta, seasoned beef, tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, cheese, and olives. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
- Add Lettuce & Serve – Mix in romaine just before serving. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian: Omit beef, add extra beans or tofu.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños, spicy seasoning, or hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream.
- Protein Boost: Swap beef for chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: salad , main course
- Method: Stovetop, mixing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: Taco pasta salad, Tex-Mex pasta salad, easy potluck salad, pasta salad with ground beef, summer BBQ salad.